Today I am over at Design Guide and I’m talking about easy outdoor updates.  If your outdoor space needs a little sprucing up but you don’t have the budget for an overhaul, these small changes are a good place to start. Rugs, pillows and new fabric on your existing furniture cushions can instantly update your outdoor space.

If your not familiar with Design Guide here are a few of the details.  Design Guide is a regionally-focused book of ideas, a source of inspiration and a directory for the finest home furnishings, products and services available. With publications in Dallas, Fort Worth, Austin and San Antonio — and more on the way — Design Guide continues to stay at the forefront of the design industry.

My absolute part of their site is the Consignment Board. It’s a great place to find deep discounts on fabulous pieces from showrooms, designers and galleries in Texas. Here are a few of my favorite pieces from the Consignment Board.  I can’t believe these deals and I wish we had a place for the freestanding tub!

Aqua Silk Brocade Pillow

Oly Studio Rocco Table

Freestanding Oval Tub

Provincial Louis XV Chairs

Shine Home Mayfair Lamp

Shine Home Black Lamp

Custom Walnut Wine Storage

Spring is in the air here in Texas, but only for a few more weeks. Before we know it those pesky triple digits will be taking over so I wanted to celebrate my favorite time of year, Spring! We have stocked Shop Ten 25 with fabulous new pillows, lamps, chandeliers, art, rugs and unique accessories to cheer up your home this spring.

Let It Be {Turquoise} | Magnolia Lamp | Burmese Vine PIllow | Ogee Blue Pillow | Magenta Greek Key Pillow | Aluminum Horse

This week I am part of a fabulous series on one of my favorite blogs, 6th street Design School. Kirsten is a designer, blogger and mom from Utah and her blog is one that is at the top of my daily reads list.  When Kristen contacted me to be a part of the series I was beyond excited. I constantly receive questions from many of you (blog readers, design fanatics & DIY-ers)  on the look out for inspiration, design tips and why hiring a designer can save you money.  With the  Confessions of a Designer series, you’ll get an inside look at the designer’s side of the process and how we see the design world. Here are the questions that Kirsten has asked each of us.

1. What is the “ideal” client?
2. How should a client pick a designer?
3. What do you think is a “myth” people have about working with a designer?
4. What are your tips to making the client-designer relationship easier?
5. What are your tips for a success e-design outcome?
6. If you could hire any designer to help you, who would you hire?

Kirsten did a great job of gathering designers because each of us brings an unique perspective to the series.  I’m looking forward to see what everyone has to say, each of these ladies design sites and blogs are on my “favorites” list.

kelly+olive’s first e-book Ideas You Should Steal contains 17 fun projects submitted by top home, craft, and lifestyle bloggers from all over the web. learn how to make an end table out of a suitcase, how to stencil your walls using a toilet paper roll, or even make your own rug! we know there is a project in here that will inspire you!

100% of the proceeds of this book go to Dwell with Dignity! Dwell with Dignity was founded to help hard-working individuals and families in need to just that – dwell with dignity. using re-purposed and recycled items, they create beautiful and creative homes for families in transitional housing, giving deserving families a fresh start and a new outlook on life. hopefully, such inspiration will help them break the punishing cycle of poverty and homelessness and give them a new outlook on life.

See more from my experience with Dwell with Dignity in THIS past post as well as DWD’s Studio Ten 25 Sponsor Spotlight.

so how do you get the book? click add to cart and donate as much or as little as you like. just $1 gets you the download. consider anything over that a boost to your karma! You can download the book HERE.

Yay! Yay! Yay!!! I am dying to show off Studio Ten 25′s latest project thanks to Modern Luxury Dallas and the uber-talented Rebecca Sherman.  The magazine is online now and will be on the newsstands next week, I am counting down the days. I can’t wait to get my hands on the hard copy, But for now the online version will have to do.

I been working on a new Home Away From Home project converting a nursery to a toddler room and playroom and have been on the hunt for the perfect rug. Having access to SHOP TEN 25 is a blessing and I find my self “shopping”  in my own store.  We recently added a full like of children’s rugs to the shop so I wanted to share my top pics for this project.

The baby girl’s nursery is a pink, white and green color palette and her mom wanted to keep the existing paint and drapes. We are adding a new “big girl” bed and replacing the carpet with hardwoods so we need a great statement rug now.  Modern birds are the theme for the room and I found just the rug for the space.  This rug is perfect, it brings in the modern bird theme and works with the pink paint and white drapes…I’m thinking a green or turquoise chandelier may find it’s way into the room too! I’m working on the inspiration board over the next few days so stay tuned!

The playroom space is just outside of the room and now that the hardwoods are going in, we need a fun run to soften the space up.  This is a family of three, two boys and the baby girl so we need to bring in a rug that is durable, stylish and affordable.  We are looking at a poly/acrylic blend hook rug for the space. Acrylic hook rugs are soft under foot and can also be used outdoor, they are durable enough to stand up to little kiddos and all of their spills.

This modern animal rug is the top choice so far. The colors are easy to decorate around but branch out from the typical primary color palette that you see in many kids area.

So if your in the market for a rug that is durable enough to stand up to you kiddos…check out our options in The Shop

I ran in to Dallas’ Again and Again today looking for a set of chairs to use in a client’s entry.  While I was walking from one room to another, I passed the restroom and had to grab a few pics. The silver and white metallic wallpaper, super fabulous retro mirror and vintage crystal chandelier are for sure going in my “glamourous bathroom” file!

The overall look is very Brocade Home isn’t it? Here are a few pieces from Brocade that would be perfect for recreating this look. This cross flocked foil wallpaper,  ruffle edge mirror & crystal chandelier are the perfect mix.

Take a better look at the legs on the furniture pieces around your home and any furniture store. What do you see?  Well, I see square, round, oval and all in a dark espresso stain.  Although that same common leg is on most of the pieces in my home, I am seriously considering a few upgrades. I received marketing information from House of Habit a few months ago, immediately tacked it to my inspiration board and am about ready to make a move.

Hand-painted wood,  solid glass, leather and even legs with hand applied Swarovski crystals are all handmade! My favorite…the Swarovski Crystal leg of course.

Image Via: House Of Habit

Image Via: Glitter Palais

All of the legs can be made in custom heights to fit your piece…take a look at all of their offerings. All Images Via: House Of Habit

When I love something…I really love it.  This is the second time I have used this gorgeous wallpaper on a project…see the other installation HERE. But, in this home office I had Seabrook’s Painter’s Guild Jazz installed on the ceiling and painted the walls Benjamin Moore’s Kalamata. All I can say is WOW, what a stunning combination.

Today I’m over at Effortless Style talking about a typical day around The Studio. If you haven’t seen the “In Her Shoes” features on ES’s blog, they are worth taking a look at. I’m excited to be joining the great group of ladies that have shared a day in their shoes too!